The Lesser Three Gorges and the Mini Three Gorges of Wushan

The Lesser Three Gorges and the Mini Three Gorges of Wushan

The Lesser Three Gorges and the Mini Three Gorges of Wushan are a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction.

Renowned as the "Marvels of China" and the "Most Spectacular Views Under Heaven," the Lesser Three Gorges and the Mini Three Gorges of Wushan are designated as a "National Scenic Area" and among the first batch of "National AAAAA-level Tourist Attractions." They were listed among the "Forty Best Tourist Destinations in China" as early as 1991. The Lesser Three Gorges of Wushan refer to the collective section of the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge where the Daning River—the largest tributary of the Yangtze River—flows through Wushan, spanning a total length of 50 kilometers. The gorges here are majestic and precipitous, with sheer cliffs towering on either side, creating a tunnel-like effect that blocks out the sky. Peaks seem to touch the heavens, while boats glide through what feels like underground caverns. Verdant forests, lush bamboo, and rugged peaks present a rich tapestry of ever-changing beauty. At times, mist and clouds drift lazily, lending an air of serene elegance; at others, roaring waterfalls surge with overwhelming power. Pairs of mandarin ducks, monkey troops playing along the cliffs, waterfowl soaring through the air, fish swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and the surrounding rocks, flowers, and trees all form endless scenes worthy of poetry and painting.

The Longmen Gorge, stretching 8 kilometers, is the first of the Lesser Three Gorges. It features towering cliffs and facing mountains that form a natural gateway. Due to its imposing presence, it has been praised as "a match for, if not superior to, the Kuimen Gate." At the entrance of the Longmen Gorge stands the Longmen Bridge, built in 2010 with a main span of 240 meters and a total length of 855.9 meters, adding a stunning new landmark to the Lesser Three Gorges. Within the Longmen Gorge, you can find attractions such as the "Green Lion Guarding the Gate," "Lingzhi Peak," and the "Nine-Dragon Pillar."

The Bawu Gorge is the second of the Lesser Three Gorges, extending from Dongpingba to Taipingtan, with a total length of 10 kilometers. The gorge is characterized by abrupt peaks, bizarre rocks, tranquil green waters, unique stalactites, and frequent mist in spring and autumn. Major attractions include the "Fairy Throwing an Embroidered Ball," "Sleeping Beauty," "Guanyin Sitting on a Lotus Throne," "Pigsy Worshiping Guanyin," and hanging coffins. Especially in early winter, the vibrant red leaves covering the mountains are particularly striking, attracting numerous tourists to take boat rides or even disembark to explore the red leaf-covered hills up close for photography. The Bawu Gorge is also the best spot in the Lesser Three Gorges to observe wild macaques.

The Dicui Gorge is the third of the Lesser Three Gorges, stretching from Shuanglong Town to Tujia Dam, with a total length of 20 kilometers. The gorge features continuous sheer cliffs, undulating peaks, emerald-green waters, verdant bamboo, colorful stones lining the banks, cascading waterfalls, mandarin ducks playing in the water, and monkeys swinging from the branches. It is the most secluded, elegant, and poetic of the Lesser Three Gorges. Key attractions include the "Ox Liver and Horse Lung," cliff-carved Buddha statues, "Heavenly Spring Drizzling Rain," Luojia Village, Madu River, Dengtian Peak, Golden Monkey Peak, "Red Cliff Reaching the Sky," boat coffins, "Twin Eagles Playing Before a Screen," and the "Flying Cloud Cave."

The mystery of the hanging coffins and the cliff paths stirs the deepest sense of historical time travel. On the western cliffs of the Daning River, rows of square stone holes are carved in an orderly fashion, winding around the mountains for over 320 kilometers. There are 6,888 such stone holes within the Lesser Three Gorges, remnants of ancient cliff path construction. What were they used for? Why did the ancients undertake such a massive project? For military purposes? To transport salt springs? These questions continue to spark the imagination. In recent years, a nearly three-kilometer section of cliff path has been restored along the eastern cliffs of the Dicui Gorge using the "original scale, craftsmanship, and appearance," offering visitors an excellent opportunity for leisurely walks, sightseeing, photography, and flights of historical fancy.

Address: No. 170, Guangdong Middle Road, Wushan County, Chongqing

Type: Gorge, River, Historical Site

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 3–5 hours

Tel: 023-57756666

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:30